Why Are Butterfly Wings So Colorful?

Butterflies are among the most colorful and beautiful insects. They flitter from flower to flower, sometimes pausing to eat nectar or rest their wings. As they span out, their colors are on display for everyone to see. Butterflies use their colors to their advantage in many ways.

Stay Away

One of the primary ways butterflies use their colors is to keep predators away. Many colorful butterflies are actually toxic and taste bad. Monarchs, for example, eat only milkweed when they are caterpillars and the plant actually fills the butterfly with toxins that are harmless to the butterfly but nasty tasting to birds and other insects that might eat the Monarch. Many predators stay away from colorful butterflies---they know the pretty ones taste pretty awful.

Camouflage

Some butterflies have wings that are colorful on top but have dull and lifeless hues underneath. This two-toned trick of Mother Nature allows the butterfly to blend in with its surroundings. For instance, the butterfly can rest or take shelter in a tree, fold up its wings and blend in with the tree bark.

Attract a Mate

Butterflies can't sing like birds or chirp like crickets to cry out for partners. In fact, they can't hear, so there's no reason for them to be equipped to make noises to attract mates. So, much like a peacock strutting its colorful plumage, a butterfly spreads its wings and flashes its brilliant colors, hoping to attract a mate. Females also emit a scent that males find irresistible.

Warm me

Butterflies are cold-blooded and need to be warm in order to fly. They often light on rock, stretch out their wings, and bask in the sun, absorbing heat from the rock and sunlight. The darker lines, dots and patterns within the wing structure help the butterfly absorb heat from the sun.

Our Enjoyment

Perhaps nature blessed butterflies with an array of colors to keep us humans entertained. Watching a colorful butterfly entertains the eye and delights the soul of most humans. Children giggle and laugh as they chase butterflies along the field. We enjoy their peaceful, delicate nature and marvel at their colors.